Every year, around October or November, homes across India and around the world glow with little oil lamps called diyas. Families cook sweets, clean their homes, wear festive clothes, and pray for peace, joy, and prosperity. This is Diwali, also known as Deepavali in many parts of India.
Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, in India.
What is Diwali or Deepavali?
The name Deepavali comes from Sanskrit: deepa (lamp) and avali (row), meaning “a row of lights.”
On Diwali, families light small oil lamps called diyas. The name Deepavali means ‘a row of lamps.’ Those lamps can tell different stories, depending on where your family comes from.
Diwali symbolizes many things:
- Victory of good over evil
- Hope over despair
- Knowledge over ignorance
- Light over darkness
For millions of people – Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and others – it’s a time to come together with loved ones and celebrate life.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Ask two families why they celebrate Diwali, and you might hear two different stories.
In many parts of northern India, families light diyas to remember Rama and Sita coming home to Ayodhya after years in exile. If you grew up hearing the Ramayana, this might be the story that comes to mind when you see a row of lamps.
In parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala, some families start Deepavali before sunrise with an oil bath and a change into new clothes. The morning brings to mind the story of Narakasura’s defeat. If you grew up hearing the Telugu telling, you might remember Satyabhama taking up her bow when Krishna falls back in the chariot.
If your family celebrates Deepavali, what’s the first thing you remember about the day? The lamps at the door? The early oil bath? Or the sweets you couldn’t wait to eat?
When is Diwali?
Diwali follows the lunar calendar and usually falls in October or November. Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, in India.
Click to find the date for the current year
The 5 Days of Diwali
Diwali isn’t just one day. It’s a series of five celebrations each with its own meaning and traditions.
Day 1: Dhanteras, Welcoming Health & Prosperity
Dhanteras marks the start of Diwali. People clean their homes, buy new things (often metal, silver, or gold), and prepare to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
This day is also connected to Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda making it a day for wellness too.
Traditions include:
- Buying new kitchenware or coins
- Lighting a lamp at the entrance
- Beginning home decorations and rangoli
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi
In parts of northern India, this day is called Chhoti Diwali, or Little Diwali. For many families in southern India, Naraka Chaturdashi is a big part of Deepavali. The day can begin before sunrise with an oil bath and new clothes, and it recalls the story of Narakasura’s defeat.
Day 3: Lakshmi Puja
For many families, Lakshmi Puja is the main evening of Diwali. Homes glow with diyas, and families gather for puja, or worship. They pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, for peace and well-being.
Homes sparkle with diyas, families gather for puja (rituals), and prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi for peace, wealth, and well-being.
How families celebrate:
- Lighting diyas around every room and doorway
- Drawing rangoli to invite good fortune
- Lakshmi Puja with flowers, sweets, coins, and incense
- Sharing gifts and sweets with friends and family
- Bursting firecrackers (though many now choose quiet or eco-friendly celebrations)
In Gujarat, this night marks New Year’s Eve, and business owners start fresh account books.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Annakut – Gratitude & Nature
This day recalls the story of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from a storm.
Families prepare large spreads of vegetarian food (annakut) as an offering to nature and the divine.
In some regions, this day is also celebrated as Padwa focusing on the bond between husband and wife.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj – Celebrating Siblings
Bhai Dooj is all about sibling love. Sisters apply a tilak (sacred mark) on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their happiness. Brothers give gifts and promise protection.
It’s similar in spirit to Raksha Bandhan, but with different rituals.
Diwali Across India
| Region | Traditions |
|---|---|
| North India | Celebrates Rama’s return to Ayodhya; homes lit with diyas |
| South India | Honors Krishna’s victory; morning oil baths |
| Gujarat | Day 3 is New Year’s Eve; grand Lakshmi Puja |
| West Bengal | Worships Goddess Kali instead of Lakshmi |
| Maharashtra | Starts with Vasu Baras (cow worship); 4-day festival |
| Nepal (Tihar) | Includes worship of crows, dogs, cows, and siblings |
Diwali Around the World
Diwali is now a global celebration, observed by Indian communities across the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji, and more.
In cities like Leicester (UK) and Singapore, there are public light-ups, cultural events, and fireworks. Even non-Indians join the fun.
Sweets & Snacks
Diwali food is all about sharing joy.
Popular sweets:
- Laddoo, barfi, kaju katli, gulab jamun
- Karanji / gujiya – sweet dumplings
- Chakli, murukku, sev – savory snacks
Many families make them at home and exchange boxes with neighbors and friends.
A Greener Diwali
Today, many celebrate a more mindful Diwali:
- Using clay diyas or LED lights instead of plastic
- Avoiding loud crackers to reduce noise and pollution
- Homemade decorations from paper or flowers
- Gifting plants or handmade items instead of plastic
It’s a way to honor the spirit of Diwali – without harming others or the environment.
FAQs
Q: Is Diwali religious or cultural?
Both – it has spiritual roots but is widely celebrated as a cultural festival.
Q: What’s the difference between Diwali and Deepavali?
They refer to the same festival. Deepavali is more traditional and used in South India; Diwali is the common spoken form across India.
Q: Do Jains and Sikhs celebrate Diwali?
Yes – for different reasons. Jains mark Lord Mahavira’s liberation. Sikhs commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind.
Q: When is Diwali in 2025?
The main day (Lakshmi Puja) is on October 20, 2025.
Q: How long does Diwali last?
Traditionally 5 days – but events and feelings can stretch for weeks!
Q: How do you wish someone on Diwali?
“Happy Diwali!” or “Happy Deepavali!” or “Shubh Deepavali!”
At its heart, Diwali is about hope, light, family and community. Whether you’re celebrating with thousands in a city square or lighting a single diya at home, the spirit is the same, to welcome joy, let go of the past, and step into hope and brightness.
Wishing you and your loved ones a bright, happy, healthy, prosperous and beautiful Diwali!